Manager Gary Megson knows they need to win games like this won against Middlesbrough at the Reebok Stadium if relegation is to be avoided.

With Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf sidelined through injury and suspension, Bolton lacked an attacking threat against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough.

Kevin Davies played up front on his own and even though he worked tirelessly he failed to test goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Megson has now seen his side draw three our of five matches since he arrived and they need to step up a gear or two after the international break.

Ivan Campo should have marked his return to the Bolton side by finding the target but he squandered two good chances.

It was poor entertainment for the crowd on a cold day although the second half was better than the first.

Former Wales skipper Gary Speed almost put Bolton ahead in the 16th minute.

He curled in a free-kick from 20 yards that deceived Mark Schwarzer but finished in the side-netting.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate made a switch in the 29th minute bringing on Emanuel Pogatetz for Andrew Taylor.

It looked to be a tactical change as Taylor did not appear to be carrying an injury.

Middlesbrough’s Gary O’Neil tried his luck on goal in the 40th minute but saw his effort blocked.

O’Neil then raced forward and tried to carve out an opening only to find his path blocked by Gerald Cid.

The home supporters were growing in frustration, having seen their side only win one league game this season.

Davies, who got a late equalise against Bayern, almost made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time.

He worked his way into a good position but sent his effort narrowly wide of the post.

Despite their fine display in Munich, Bolton attracted a crowd of only 17,624 to the Reebok Stadium.

Danny Guthrie tried to pick out Kevin Nolan at the back post with a free-kick in the 53rd minute but Schwarzer was able to make the save.

Ivan Campo should have given Bolton the lead in the 62nd minute but squandered a great chance.

Davies neatly chipped the ball to the back post where the Spanish ace was unmarked.

However, he somehow managed to squeeze a shot the wrong side of the post.

Megson then drafted Stelios Giannakopoulos in the 65th minute at the expense of Nolan.

The club captain had looked leg-weary after an industrious display in midweek in Germany.

Middlesbrough had not picked up the pace of the game in the second half and Jaaskelainen was not being tested in the home goal.

Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann had half a chance in the 68th minute but snatched at his effort and it cleared the bar.

However this was a decent spell of pressure by the home side going into a crucial phase of the game.

Bolton goalkeeper Jaaskelainen was called into action after 71 minutes and reacted superbly. He did well to boot away Aliadiere’s effort from close range.

Then the Finland international made a good parry from Downing after he rattled in a shot.

Bolton were beginning to look a bit vulnerable, not to mention a bit jaded.

However, they carved out a good chance a minute from time when Campo got on the end of Andy O’Brien’s cross but headed into Schwarzer’s arms.